Variabilidad de la temperatura superficial del mar en Bahía Magdalena, B. C. S.

Abstract

Sea surface temperature was recorded at various stations at Magdalena Bay by the CICIMAR-I.P.N. From 1981 through 1998; individual determinations are shown together with some previously reported data obtained during similar studies from 1973-74 and one single value from 1913. Monthly averages were obtained for each sampling point. Annual cycles inside the Bay are compared to that of the 114°W-112°W and 24°N-26°N quadrant from the COADS database. Anomalies were estimated as departures from the mean cycle for the series and compared. The inside bay area is consistently warmer than the open ocean (0.89°C in the average). Series are further calibrated to estimate variation along the Century; most CICIMAR sampling was done during ENSO events, except during 1988-89. Principal component analysis shows four main modes of variation, the three most important ones related to offshore influence, while the least important seems to reflect the system's own variation.